Shirin Jaafari is a reporter for The World focusing on the Middle East. She has covered conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine. Her reporting focuses on current events, politics, conflict and human rights. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Harvard’s Extension School. Before joining The World, Shirin worked for the BBC in Washington, DC. Shirin was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists in 2009 and she received an honorable mention from the Gracie Award in 2022 for her coverage of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.When not filing for radio, she can be found hiking and camping in the mountains.You can find her on Twitter @Shirinj.
This family in Syria has kept the centuries-old tradition of Sufi whirling dervishes alive
The Al-Kharrat family in Syria has kept the tradition of Sema, or the dance of the whirling dervishes, alive for decades. Under the Assad regime, they faced restrictions on permits and traveling abroad to participate in international events. Now, with a new government in place, they hope to expand their programs and to teach the dance to younger Syrians.
Christians in historic town in Syria reflect on new moment in the country
Last December, after more than a decade of fighting, forces opposing President Bashar al-Assad ousted him from power. Some people in Maaloula, long a center for Christianity in Syria, shared their concerns and hopes for the future under the new government, which has a conservative, Islamist past.
Bringing history back to life: How Iranians are reviving old homes into cultural gems
Across Iran, historic homes that once stood crumbling are now being restored into vibrant cafes, boutique hotels and cultural spaces. Led by a new generation of artisans, architects and entrepreneurs, many of them women, this growing movement is not only preserving heritage, but also fueling local economies and reshaping tourism.
Israel cuts off aid to Gaza, raising concerns about meeting dire humanitarian needs in the region
Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing Hamas’ rejection of a new proposal to extend the ceasefire. Hamas has expressed reservations about the plan because it does not include a commitment from Israel to end the war or fully withdraw its troops. Humanitarian groups warn that cutting off aid now could sabotage the progress made in Gaza since the start of the ceasefire back in January.
